Tag Archive for: crawl space

A Quick Guide to Crawl Space and Basement Issues

As a prospective home buyer, understanding the very basics of crawl space and basement issues is crucial.  Especially if you are new to the south east, where the humidity can rot a home from the foundation up, take note to know what to look for before you invest in a soggy bottomed “money pit”.

Signs of Moisture Problems:

  • Musty Odors: The smell of a vacant home will tell you the true story– if it’s musty, be forewarned, there could be some serious foundation issues (or roofing issues!)  
  • Visible Mold or Mildew: Look for mold around the baseboards as an indication of foundation moisture issues. 
  • Water Stains: Discoloration on walls down low or on floors can be a sign of water seepage.
  • Efflorescence: A white, powdery substance on the cinder block walls of a basement or inside a crawl space means that water is coming through the walls and leaving salt deposits behind.  
  • Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Moisture can cause paint or wallpaper to lose adhesion.
  • High Humidity Levels: Excessive moisture in the air can indicate poor moisture control.
  • Condensation: Look for water dripping from ducts or pipes in the crawl spaces or basements- that means the air is damp, and should be addressed.

What can be done?

A house with a few signs of water damage is not the end of the world. But you should definitely seek a professional’s opinion about what is the ultimate cause of the issue, what can be done, and how much it will cost before purchasing.  Some things that a professional might propose: 

  • Exterior Maintenance: Keep gutters clean and ensure the landscaping directs water away from the foundation.  Some of this can be done DIY.
  • Interior Waterproofing: Includes sump pump installation, interior drainage systems (French drains under the house), or ultimately, a crawl space encapsulation and dehumidifier. DIY is not recommended.
  • Exterior Waterproofing: Involves exterior drainage solutions and the application of waterproof materials to the exterior walls of the foundation. DIY not recommended; much of landscaping near the home will have to be removed.

Understanding the Importance of Waterproofing

Crawl spaces and basements are prone to moisture problems due to their below-ground location. Excess moisture in these areas can lead to a host of issues, including mold growth, structural damage, and poor indoor air quality. Waterproofing these areas is essential in preventing these problems and maintaining the integrity of the home.

The Role of a Home Inspector

A home inspector plays a crucial role in identifying potential waterproofing issues. During an inspection, they will look for the signs mentioned above and assess the effectiveness of any existing waterproofing measures. Their eyes are better trained to look for such things and can give an unbiased report of all the signs of a wet foundation. 

 

About the Author: Erin Blackburn is the Marketing Director at Dry Otter Waterproofing and a former science educator. With a unique blend of expertise in both science and marketing, Erin brings a diverse perspective to her current role. She’s not just passionate about her work; outside the office, Erin loves crafting, hunting for vintage thrifts, and cherishing moments with her husband and little boy. Driven by a mission to educate people about all things interesting – from the wonders of nature to the critical importance of maintaining a dry foundation – Erin weaves her knowledge and passions into her writing, offering readers both informative and engaging content.

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Improve Your Crawl Space

 
 
The crawl space. It’s the nether regions of a home that almost everyone wants to ignore. In the southeastern part of the US, they are quite common – especially in older homes – and the standard vented crawl space has been deemed an inferior foundation type. What do you if you have one?
 
If you live in a home with a crawl space, you can’t very well pick the house up and replace the foundation with a slab or a finished basement. But you can take steps to maintain your crawl space or drastically improve it.
 

Access Door:

Make sure it closes securely to keep out varmints, rain, and debris. Replace if decayed or doesn’t close tightly.

 

Vapor Barrier:

More accurately, vapor “retarders”, these can be polyethylene, roofing paper, asphalt, or even concrete. Poly sheeting is most common for those with a dirt or gravel floor. The vapor retarder should be installed with seams sealed together cover the soil completely, and be free of holes and tears.

 
Side Note: The crawl space floor should be free of storage and debris – keep it clean! Debris can attract unwanted pests, wood-destroying organisms, and/or microbial growth.
 

Ventilation: 

Codes vary, but generally in a crawl space with a vapor barrier, one sq ft of net venting is required for every 1500 sq ft, with one vent located within 3′ of a corner. Without a vapor barrier, it’s one sq ft of venting for every 150 sq ft of space.

 

Insulation:

If installed in the crawl space “ceiling”, the vapor barrier goes against the floor above with the fuzzy side facing down toward the crawl space. Also, the insulation should fill the full depth of the floor joists. A common improper installation is an R-19 batt (5.5″ thick) installed flush with the floor joists (9.25″ deep), leaving a sizable gap between the subfloor and insulation, allowing for condensation to build up. Insulation that is falling and looks like it’s raining down to the floor is indicative of a moisture issue.

 

Improvements:

  • “Smart Vents” open and close with water movement to prevent the build-up of hydro-static pressure.
  • Sump pumps are often installed to safely drain water from the outside or from a condensate line.
  • Replace the vapor barrier if yours does not cover the entire floor, is torn, or is less than 10 mil thick.
  • Encapsulation is by far the best way to improve your crawl space as it completely seals it off from the outside and effectively conditions the space. Here’s a look from a recent inspection.
 
A good first step to making any improvements is to get an inspection by a waterproofing specialist. 
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